Dozens dead as Boeing 737 crashes in southern Russia

A passenger plane has crashed in southern Russia, killing all 62 people on board.

Russia’s emergencies ministry says the disaster happened at 3.50 local time on Saturday morning at the airport in Rostov on Don at the end of a flight from Dubai.

The Boeing 737-800, operated by Emirates-based budget airline Flydubai, is said to have crashed on its second attempt to land amid difficult weather conditions including strong winds and poor visibility.

The jet burst into flames on hitting the ground and there are reports of an explosion.

Nearly all the passengers are said to be Russian citizens. Four of those on board were children.

Flydubai says its thoughts and prayers are with the passengers and crew of Flight FZ981 – sentiments echoed by Boeing.